On March 13, the Iowa state Senate voted 33-16 to pass Senate Joint Resolution 18 to propose an amendment to the state Constitution affirming and recognizing the right of Iowans’ to keep and bear arms as a fundamental individual right, the National Rifle Association reported.
Later the same day, the state House of Representatives voted 53-46 to concur.
Authored by state Sen. Brad Zaun (R-20), SJR 18 will need to pass again during the 2021-2022 General Assembly before a constitutional amendment is put on the ballot for Iowa voters to decide in 2022. Currently, Iowa is one of six states that do not have a right to keep and bear arms amendment in its state Constitution, including California, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York.
